CVE-2021-42523 : Security Advisory and Response

A detailed overview of an Information Disclosure vulnerability in colord.

Understanding CVE-2021-42523

What is CVE-2021-42523?

The CVE-2021-42523 is an Information Disclosure vulnerability in colord affecting versions 1.4.4 and 1.4.5. The vulnerability stems from issues in specific code files within colord.

The Impact of CVE-2021-42523

The vulnerability allows unauthorized disclosure of information due to improper memory management in colord, potentially leading to data exposure.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-42523

Vulnerability Description

Two Information Disclosure vulnerabilities in colord, specifically in colord/src/cd-device-db.c and colord/src/cd-profile-db.c, are caused by the incorrect handling of 'err_msg' of 'sqlite3_exec'.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: colord
Versions: 1.4.4, 1.4.5

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerabilities can be exploited by an attacker to extract sensitive information stored in colord databases.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update colord to version 1.4.6 or later to address the vulnerabilities.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and review the codebase for proper memory management practices.
Implement least privilege access controls to limit potential exposure.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates for colord to mitigate the risks associated with Information Disclosure vulnerabilities.